Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Au Gratin is the kind of classic comfort food that instantly makes any meal feel special. Thinly sliced potatoes are layered in a rich, creamy sauce, baked until tender, and finished with a golden, bubbly top that everyone rushes back for seconds of. Whether you are planning a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, this dish delivers big flavor with simple ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Au Gratin
- Creamy, rich texture with perfectly tender potatoes
- Golden, bubbly topping that looks beautiful on the table
- Easy to prep ahead for holidays and gatherings
- Pairs well with ham, steak, chicken, or roasted vegetables
- A timeless side dish that both kids and adults enjoy
This recipe strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and familiar, making it a must-have for festive meals and Sunday dinners alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Potatoes, thinly sliced evenly
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyère, or a blend)
Tip: Use starchy potatoes like Yukon Gold or russet for the creamiest result.
How to Make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Au Gratin
Step 1: Prep the Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter a baking dish to prevent sticking and help create crisp edges.
Step 2: Slice the Potatoes
Slice the potatoes thinly and evenly. A mandoline slicer works best, but a sharp knife will do. Even slices ensure the potatoes cook at the same rate.
Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and thyme. Warm gently without boiling.
Step 4: Layer Everything
Arrange a layer of potatoes in the baking dish. Pour some cream sauce over the top and sprinkle with cheese. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used.
Step 5: Bake Until Tender
Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 6: Brown the Top
Remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce set and makes slicing easier.
Tips & Variations
- Add thinly sliced onions for extra sweetness
- Mix cheeses for deeper flavor
- Use half-and-half instead of cream for a lighter version
- Sprinkle fresh herbs on top before serving
- Add a pinch of paprika for gentle warmth and color
Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Au Gratin
- Total Time: 85 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Au Gratin is a rich, creamy holiday side dish made with thinly sliced potatoes baked in a garlic-thyme cream sauce and plenty of cheese. It bakes up tender inside with a golden, bubbly top—perfect with steak, chicken, or festive mains.
Ingredients
3 lbs (1.36 kg) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled if desired, thinly sliced (about 1/8-inch)
1 tbsp unsalted butter (for greasing the dish)
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups heavy cream
1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
2 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyère, or a blend), divided
Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan for extra golden top
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the heavy cream with garlic, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and thyme until hot but not boiling (about 3–5 minutes).
3. Layer one-third of the sliced potatoes in the dish, slightly overlapping.
4. Pour one-third of the warm cream mixture over the potatoes, then sprinkle with 3/4 cup shredded cheese.
5. Repeat layers two more times, finishing with the remaining cheese (and Parmesan if using) on top.
6. Cover tightly with foil and bake 45 minutes.
7. Uncover and bake 15–20 minutes more until the top is golden and bubbly and the potatoes are fork-tender.
8. Rest 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For the best texture, slice potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate.
If the top browns too fast, loosely tent with foil near the end.
Make-ahead: assemble up to 1 day ahead, cover, refrigerate, then bake (add 10–15 minutes covered time if baking cold).
Leftovers keep 3 days in the fridge; reheat covered in the oven for best creaminess.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Serving Ideas & Storage
Serve Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Au Gratin alongside baked ham, grilled steak, roasted chicken, or holiday vegetables. Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat covered in the oven to keep them creamy.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~360 |
| Protein | 9g |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 420mg |
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Au Gratin is a timeless side dish that never goes out of style. Creamy, comforting, and beautifully golden, it’s the kind of recipe that brings people together around the table. Once you serve it, don’t expect leftovers.